Vertebral body abscesses in cattle: a review of five cases

Over a 4-year period, vertebral body abscess (VBA) was diagnosed in 5 young cattle at the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Review of these cases indicated that laboratory findings may not support a diagnosis of VBA and that the most important basis for diagnosis of this condition is a thorough neurologic examination. In 4 cases, necropsy revealed abscesses in the lungs or thoracic cavity as well, suggesting that a history of pneumonia preceding paresis may favor the diagnosis of VBA.